**Bad Company Co-Founder Mick Ralphs Dies Aged 81**
Renowned British rock guitarist and songwriter Mick Ralphs has passed away at the age of 81, it has been confirmed by the official Bad Company website. Ralphs, a central figure in the formation and rise of influential bands such as Bad Company and Mott The Hoople, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.
The announcement detailed that Ralphs is survived by his long-time partner Susie Chavasse, along with his two children and three step-children. His bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke, well-known for their pivotal roles in both Free and Bad Company, also paid heartfelt tributes to their late friend and collaborator.
Formed in 1973, Bad Company quickly became a staple of British classic rock. The band was an assemblage of talent from major groups of the era—members hailed from Free, King Crimson, and Mott The Hoople. Ralphs, whose guitar work and songwriting became central to the group’s sound, helped propel Bad Company into both UK and international stardom.
Paul Rodgers, the group’s lead vocalist, expressed his sorrow through the band’s website, stating, “Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He leaves us with extraordinary songs and memories. He was more than a bandmate – he was my friend, my songwriting partner, and one of the funniest, most gifted guitarists I ever worked with.” Rodgers continued, recalling their most recent conversation as “filled with laughter”, and offered special condolences to Susie Chavasse.
Drummer Simon Kirke also issued a statement, describing Ralphs as a “dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist”, noting how greatly he will be missed within the close-knit Bad Company family and the wider sphere of rock music.
Ralphs’ musical influence extended well beyond Bad Company. As an original member of Mott The Hoople, his earlier work included the glam rock anthem “All The Young Dudes”, written for the band by David Bowie. Before the emergence of Bad Company, Ralphs contributed significantly to the 1970s British rock movement, inspiring countless musicians who followed in his footsteps.
Bad Company saw tremendous success with their 1974 self-titled debut album, which featured classic tracks such as “Can’t Get Enough” and “Movin’ On”. The album soared to number three in the UK charts and was later certified five-times platinum. Subsequent releases like “Straight Shooter” and “Run With The Pack” maintained the band’s momentum, each landing within the top five on the albums chart.
The band’s catalogue boasts a repertoire of rock staples, including “Ready For Love”, “Rock Steady”, and the eponymous “Bad Company”, further cementing their status as rock royalty. Ralphs continued to perform with Bad Company throughout the decades, with his final stage appearance taking place in October 2016, just prior to suffering a stroke.
Tributes from fellow musicians swiftly followed news of Ralphs’ death. Among them, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott expressed his grief on X, calling Ralphs “one of the kindest souls I ever met” and lamenting the world’s loss. David Coverdale, famed frontman for Deep Purple and Whitesnake, also shared fond reflections, remembering Ralphs as “a sweet man and super songwriter” who once encouraged him in the early stages of the song “Love Ain’t No Stranger”.
In a year where Bad Company are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the band’s enduring impact is once again brought into focus. Mick Ralphs’ contributions to rock music, both as a guitarist and as a prolific songwriter, will be felt for generations. His family, bandmates, and fans alike remember him not just for his artistry, but for his humour, kindness, and treasured friendship.